'Shaheen Afridi Is A Game-Breaker…': Ex-Coach Slams Pakistan For Boxing Day Test Snub
Shaheen Afridi in action [Source: AP Photos]
Former Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur has slammed the Pakistan team management for not selecting Shaheen Afridi in the upcoming Test series against South Africa. Arthur praised Afridi, and described the left-arm fast bowler a ‘game-breaker’ and a potential ‘match-winner’.
Interestingly, recent reports indicate that Shaheen Afridi himself opted out of the Test series to prepare for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
Ex-coach hails Shaheen, slams PCB for Test omission
During an interaction with ESPNCricinfo, former Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur expressed his astonishment over Shaheen Afridi’s exclusion from the upcoming Test series in South Africa. Describing South Africa as one of the best places for fast bowlers, Arthur said that Shaheen’s match-winning abilities as a left-arm pacer would have proven effective for the visitors in making an impact against the Proteas. He said:
“I can't believe it. If he's not bowling in South Africa, then where the hell are they bowling him? It's the best place to bowl in the world, almost. Plus, he gives you a left-arm option. I know they have got Mir Hamza, but Shaheen is a game-breaker and match-winner. I'm not in the inner echelon in terms of knowing the ins and outs of why they haven't selected him, but on pure skill, I would have him in South Africa in any team I pick.”
While Mickey Arthur is questioning the PCB and the selection committee over Shaheen Afridi’s omission, reports indicate that the premier fast bowler opted himself out of the Test series in favour of 2025 ICC Champions Trophy preparations. The 24-year-old was also benched midway into Pakistan’s home Test series against England a couple of months ago.
Shaheen Afridi recently finished the T20I and ODI series against South Africa as Pakistan’s highest wicket-taker. The speedster picked up seven wickets in the three ODIs to help Pakistan claim the series 3-0, and bagged additional three scalps in the T20Is.
The Pakistani pace demon left South Africa after the white-ball fixtures to participate in the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) for the Fortune Barishal franchise.